Top 20 Ranking

12.19.05 Monday

It may be the third weekend of
the season, but these rankings were ridiculously hard to make. The toughest
choice was at the top, where I had to choose between long-time rivals Delbarton
and Seton Hall Prep. A “pure results” approach to ranking would yield
Delbarton, because its tie came against a stronger team and it beat CBA 4-0, as
opposed to Seton Hall Prep’s 1-0. But having seen both teams and having some
idea of their personnel, I’m going with Seton Hall Prep for the moment because
they appear to be the more polished team right now. Delbarton might come
back from Rhode Island with an impenetrable defensive unit, but as of this
week, Seton Hall Prep has the edge. It was also tough to break up the Southern
Red and Mennen Division teams and fill the last two spots.

The other big note in this
week’s rankings is that 15 of the 20 teams are private schools; I haven’t
looked but I’m guessing that’s the most I’ve ever picked in my top 20. Most
observers acknowledge that the private/public gap is widening, and these
rankings certainly reflect that. I will add another set of rankings around
January 2, but I’m not quite ready to commit to a private/public or White/Blue
format just yet.

Top 20 (records as
available through 12/18/05)

1 — Seton Hall Prep (3-0-1, 2-0-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/23 @ PJ

Pirates appear to be deeper than in recent years; only tie
was without two best forwards.

2 — Delbarton (3-0-1, 3-0-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/20 @ LaSalle (R.I.), 12/21 @ Bishop
Hendricken (R.I.)

Green Wave’s tie is better than Seton Hall Prep’s, but the
only experience is at forward.

3 — Pope John (3-1-1, 1-1-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/21 @ Malvern Prep (Pa.), 12/23 vs. SHP

Lions appear to be among state’s elite this year, but they still
have to prove it over the long haul.

4 — Don Bosco Prep (4-2, 3-2 Gordon)

This Week: 12/23 @ Ran

Ironmen disappointed in allowing six goals against Pope John
but should be among the top four teams.

5 — Bergen Catholic (1-2-1, 1-2-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/19 vs. MB, 12/21 vs. LaSalle (Pa.),
12/23 @ SPP

Dominated SJV, but BC has little else to hang its hat on —
Monday and Friday ought to be telling.

6 — St. John Vianney (3-2, 1-2 Gordon)

This Week: 12/22 MidN; 12/23 CBA

It’s hard to tell much about the Lancers until they play one
of the top four teams.

7 — CBA (1-3-1, 0-3-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/21 vs. MD, 12/23 SJV

Struggling on offense, the defending state champs suddenly
have a lot to prove Wednesday.

8 — St. Peter’s Prep (1-1-1, 0-1-1 Gordon)

This Week: 12/23 vs. BC

The Marauders tied a weakened SHP team in their most notable
result so far.

9 — St. Augustine Prep (4-0, 4-0 Southern Red)

This Week: 12/21 vs. ND, 12/23 @ RBC

The Hermits have a history of disappointing, but it’s hard
to argue with first place in the Southern Red.